Maple Pecan Latte for Fall Afternoons À La Starbucks -

You've probably noticed the surge of maple pecan lattes at Starbucks when autumn rolls around, and there's a good reason they're so popular. This cozy drink combines two quintessential fall flavors – rich maple syrup and toasted pecans – into a warming coffee creation that tastes like liquid pecan pie. While you could wait in line at your local cafe, making this seasonal favorite at home lets you perfect the balance of sweet and nutty notes to your exact taste.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Starbucks' Maple Pecan Latte combines pure maple syrup and pecan flavoring for a cozy fall drink reminiscent of pecan pie.
Use fresh espresso, pure maple syrup, and whole milk or oat milk alternative for an authentic homemade version.
Top with whipped cream, chopped pecans, and a dusting of spiced sugar for the complete Starbucks-inspired experience.
Heat milk with maple and pecan syrups until frothy, then combine with fresh espresso at 195-205°F.
Perfect for relaxing autumn afternoons, this drink offers sweet maple, nutty pecan, and creamy milk flavors balanced with espresso.

Why you'll love this recipe

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply love the flavors of fall, this Maple Pecan Latte recipe will become your new favorite seasonal drink.

You'll appreciate how easily you can recreate this coffeehouse classic at home, saving both time and money while enjoying a perfectly customized beverage. The combination of pure maple syrup and rich pecan flavoring creates a delightfully nutty and sweet profile that'll remind you of fresh-baked pecan pie. Additionally, you can enhance your drink with the antioxidant benefits of sage infusion, which can support your overall health.

You'll also love how flexible this recipe is, as it works beautifully with any type of milk you prefer, from whole dairy to creamy oat milk alternatives.

Plus, you can adjust the sweetness to your taste, and the aromatic blend of warm spices will fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of autumn.

Ingredient notes

To make the perfect Maple Pecan Latte, you'll need to carefully select each ingredient for ideal flavor and quality.

Start with pure maple syrup, not the artificially flavored breakfast syrup, as it provides a rich, authentic sweetness that's essential to this drink. You'll want fresh espresso or strong coffee as your base, and choose your milk carefully – whole milk creates the creamiest texture, while oat milk offers a delicious dairy-free alternative.

For the pecan flavor, you can use store-bought pecan syrup or make your own by steeping crushed pecans in simple syrup.

Don't forget to pick up fresh pecans for garnishing, and if you're including whipped cream, opt for real cream rather than the canned variety for the best results. Additionally, using fresh ingredients for your latte will enhance the overall flavor and experience, just as it does in infused water preparations.

Origin of the recipe

The Maple Pecan Latte gained widespread popularity after Starbucks introduced it as a seasonal fall beverage in 2017, though similar coffee drinks had existed in local cafes for years before.

You'll find that this drink's origins can be traced to the traditional pairing of maple and pecans in North American cuisine, particularly in regions where both ingredients are locally harvested.

Before becoming a coffee shop sensation, maple and pecan combinations were already beloved in desserts like pies, cookies, and pastries.

When coffee artisans began experimenting with natural flavor combinations in the early 2000s, they discovered that the nutty warmth of pecans paired perfectly with maple's sweetness, creating a drink that captured autumn's essence.

Now, you'll see variations of this recipe in cafes worldwide. Additionally, the nutritional benefits of such flavor pairings can enhance the immune system, making this latte not just a treat but a way to support overall health.

How to make the recipe

You'll want to start by heating water for your espresso while warming milk with maple and pecan syrups in a separate pan.

Once your espresso is ready, combine it with the warm, syrupy milk mixture in your favorite mug, using a frother if you'd like that coffee-shop texture.

Finally, top your creation with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of spiced sugar, transforming your homemade latte into a café-worthy treat.

Step 1. Heat Water for Espresso

Starting with perfectly heated water makes all the difference in crafting a delicious maple pecan latte.

You'll want to heat your water to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just below boiling, to extract the best flavors from your espresso grounds.

If you're using an espresso machine, it'll handle the temperature automatically, but if you're heating water manually, use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.

Don't let the water reach a rolling boil, as this can make your espresso taste bitter. Instead, watch for small bubbles to form at the bottom of your pot and steam to rise steadily from the surface.

Once you've reached the right temperature, let the water sit for about 30 seconds before brewing your espresso.

Step 2. Mix Milk and Syrups

With your water at the perfect temperature, now's the time to create the rich, creamy base of your maple pecan latte.

Pour your chosen milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until you see steam rising, but don't let it boil.

While the milk's warming, get ready to add your sweet, nutty flavors.

Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to your steaming milk
Pour in 1 tablespoon of pecan syrup or flavoring
Whisk everything together until it's frothy and well-blended

You'll know you've got the perfect mixture when the milk develops a slight foam on top and the syrup is completely dissolved.

If you're using non-dairy milk, like oat milk, you might need to whisk a bit longer to achieve the same creamy texture.

Step 3. Add Espresso to Frother

Pour your freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee into a milk frother, ensuring there's enough room for the milk mixture you'll be adding later.

If you're using a handheld frother, select a container that's deep enough to prevent splashing while you work. For the best results, you'll want your espresso to be hot, as this helps maintain the perfect serving temperature once combined with the milk.

While your espresso waits in the frother, check that the temperature remains between 150-160°F (65-71°C), which is ideal for bringing out the maple and pecan flavors you'll be adding.

If you don't have an espresso machine, don't worry – strongly brewed coffee works well too, just make it about twice as strong as you normally would.

Step 4. Top With Whipped Cream

Once your espresso and milk mixture are ready in the frother, it's time to add the crowning touch to your maple pecan latte.

You'll want to create a perfect layered effect that's both beautiful and delicious. First, transfer your hot beverage into your favorite mug, making sure to leave about an inch of space at the top.

Spoon a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream onto the surface of your latte, allowing it to create a cloudy peak.
Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly across the whipped cream for a delightful crunch.
Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, creating an artistic swirl pattern on top.

Your maple pecan latte is now ready to enjoy, with each sip offering the perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors.

Step 5. Garnish With Spiced Sugar

Adding a spiced sugar garnish to your maple pecan latte creates an extra layer of seasonal sweetness that perfectly complements the drink's warm flavors.

To make your spiced sugar, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger in a small bowl.

Once you've mixed your spiced sugar, sprinkle it generously over the whipped cream topping of your latte.

You'll want to add the garnish while the drink is still warm, which helps the sugar blend with the cream for a delicious finish.

Don't forget to save any leftover spiced sugar in an airtight container – it'll keep for several weeks and you can use it to dress up your other fall beverages, too!

If you liked this you may also like

Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the sweet-and-nutty combination of this Maple Pecan Latte will find several other delicious drinks to try.

When you're ready to explore similar flavors, these cozy beverages will keep your taste buds excited throughout the fall season.

Caramel Macchiato – A perfect blend of vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and espresso, topped with buttery caramel drizzle
Hazelnut Mocha – Rich chocolate combined with toasted hazelnut flavoring, creating a nutty-sweet indulgence
Toffee Nut Latte – Warm espresso mixed with toffee nut syrup and steamed milk, finished with whipped cream and toffee bits

Each of these drinks shares the same comforting qualities you'll find in the Maple Pecan Latte, making them excellent choices for your next coffee adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Latte Without an Espresso Machine?

You can definitely make this latte without an espresso machine!

Simply brew extra-strong coffee using your regular coffee maker, French press, or pour-over method. For the best results, use dark roast coffee and double the amount of grounds you'd normally use.

You'll want your coffee concentrated to mimic espresso's intensity, which means using less water than usual when brewing.

How Many Calories Are in One Serving of Maple Pecan Latte?

Your homemade Maple Pecan Latte's calorie count will vary based on your ingredient choices, but you're looking at approximately 250-300 calories per serving.

If you're using whole milk, you'll add about 150 calories, while the maple syrup contributes around 100 calories.

You can reduce the calorie count by opting for skim milk or a plant-based alternative, and skipping the whipped cream topping.

Is There a Sugar-Free Version of This Recipe?

You can make a sugar-free version of this latte by using sugar-free maple syrup and sugar-free pecan syrup, which you'll find in most grocery stores.

For the milk, opt for unsweetened almond or coconut milk to keep calories low. You can also skip the whipped cream or use a sugar-free alternative.

Don't forget that you can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less of the sugar-free syrups.

[DIRECTIONS]:

How Long Does Homemade Pecan Syrup Last in the Refrigerator?

You can store homemade pecan syrup in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To guarantee it lasts the full time, make sure you're using a clean jar and keep the lid tightly sealed.

You'll know it's still good if it maintains its original color and aroma, but if you notice any off-smells or mold, it's time to make a fresh batch.

Can This Latte Be Served Over Ice?

You can absolutely serve this latte over ice for a revitalizing twist!

Just brew your espresso or coffee and let it cool completely, then combine it with cold milk, maple syrup, and pecan syrup in a tall glass filled with ice.

You'll want to stir well to make sure the syrups dissolve properly.

Top it with whipped cream, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent iced treat.

Conclusion

You'll love recreating this Starbucks fall favorite at home whenever the craving strikes. Whether you're hosting friends for an autumn gathering or seeking a quiet moment with a warm drink, this maple pecan latte brings coffee shop luxury to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you're just minutes away from enjoying this cozy, nutty beverage that perfectly captures the essence of fall.